If you’re craving a sweet, nostalgic treat that everyone can enjoy, you absolutely need to try this Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe. It transforms a childhood favorite into a delightful plant-based snack using simple ingredients like vegan marshmallows and crisp rice cereal. The result is that perfect chewy-yet-crispy texture with a rich vanilla undertone that makes these treats utterly irresistible. Whether you’re vegan or just looking to try something new, this recipe promises to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on flavor or fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly straightforward yet crucial for achieving the ideal balance of texture and flavor in your Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe. Each one plays a unique role—from the richness of vegan butter to the gooeyness brought by the marshmallows and the crunch of the rice cereal.
- 80 g vegan salted butter: Adds a creamy richness and helps bind the ingredients together smoothly.
- 400 g vegan marshmallows: The star ingredient that melts into that iconic chewy base; be patient with melting as vegan versions take a bit longer.
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire treat.
- 50 g vegan mini marshmallows (or chopped vegan marshmallows): Provides extra gooey pockets for added texture and sweetness.
- 180 g vegan rice cereal: The crispy backbone of the treat, ensuring satisfying crunch in every bite; gluten-free options can be used if needed.
- Vegan sprinkles (optional): Perfect for adding a fun, colorful finish, especially if making these for celebrations or kids.
How to Make Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining a 9-inch pan with parchment paper. This simple step is a lifesaver when it comes to removing your treats later—it keeps them from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
Place the vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat and let it melt completely. This will create the luscious, rich base that helps your marshmallows melt evenly and keeps everything sticking together perfectly.
Step 3: Melt the Vegan Marshmallows
Slowly stir in the 400 grams of vegan marshmallows into the melted butter. It’s important to keep the heat at medium-low, stirring consistently until fully melted. Patience is key here because vegan marshmallows need a little extra time to reach that smooth, gooey consistency without becoming tacky or burning.
Step 4: Add Vanilla and Mini Marshmallows
Once the marshmallows have melted, whisk in the vanilla extract for that deep, sweet aroma that really brings the treat to life. Then immediately stir in the mini marshmallows. They’ll add little bursts of extra softness and interest as you bite into each square.
Step 5: Fold in the Rice Cereal
Transfer the marshmallow mixture to a large bowl if your pan isn’t big enough. Quickly add the rice cereal and fold gently using a spatula. The goal is to coat every piece with marshmallow goodness while keeping the cereal intact for maximum crunch.
Step 6: Press Mixture into the Pan
Pour your sticky masterpiece into the lined pan. Use a spatula or spoon to press the mixture down firmly into the corners and edges. This helps the treats set evenly and hold their shape once cooled.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow your creation to rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. When set, slice into 12 generous portions. Feel free to top with extra mini marshmallows and sprinkle on vegan sprinkles for a festive touch.
How to Serve Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra burst of color and fun texture, sprinkle vegan rainbow sprinkles on top right after pressing the mixture into the pan. You can also press a few mini marshmallows into the surface to add softness and visual appeal. These small touches effortlessly take your treats from simple to special.
Side Dishes
These rice crispy treats are perfect on their own but pair beautifully with dairy-free ice cream or a refreshing fruit salad. For a party, try serving alongside a vibrant smoothie bowl or dairy-free hot chocolate to create a cozy, indulgent spread everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the treats into fun shapes using cookie cutters for themed events or birthday parties. Wrapping individual squares in parchment tied with festive string makes for delightful homemade gifts. You can also layer bits of chopped nuts or dried fruit in the mixture before setting for added texture and flavor surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These treats store wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them fresh for up to 3 days, making them an easy grab-and-go snack or a treat to satisfy sweet cravings anytime. Avoid refrigeration as it may dry out the texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed container. Frozen, Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe squares keep well for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying to restore their chewy-crispy bliss.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t typically necessary for these treats since they’re great cold or at room temperature. However, if you want them softer, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave can bring back that fresh-from-the-pan texture. Be careful not to overheat or the marshmallows can become too sticky.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free rice cereal for this Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your rice cereal is certified gluten-free to keep the treats safe for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. The texture and taste will remain just as delicious.
Where can I find vegan marshmallows?
Vegan marshmallows are increasingly available at health food stores, specialty grocery stores, and even some mainstream supermarkets. Brands like Dandies are popular choices. You can also buy them online if local options are limited.
Is there a substitute for vegan butter in this recipe?
You can use coconut oil or another plant-based fat instead of vegan butter, but keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor and texture. Vegan butter tends to offer the best creamy richness needed for perfect binding.
Can I add chocolate to this Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe?
Yes! Drizzling melted vegan chocolate on top after the treats have set adds a decadent twist. You can also mix mini vegan chocolate chips into the cereal mixture for little pockets of chocolate goodness.
How long do these treats stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these homemade Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe squares stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. Beyond that, they may begin to harden or lose that perfect chewiness.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe is one of those rare, crowd-pleasing desserts that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps allow anyone, vegan or not, to create a nostalgic sweet treat with a modern twist. So go ahead, grab your saucepan and rice cereal, and whip up a batch that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Vegan Rice Crispy Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes plus 15-20 minutes cooling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Rice Crispy Treats are a delightful, plant-based twist on the classic marshmallow cereal bars. Made with vegan butter and vegan marshmallows, they are perfect for a quick, no-bake snack or dessert that’s fun to make and loved by all ages. Lightly sweet, chewy, and crispy, they can be garnished with colorful vegan sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 80 g vegan salted butter
- 400 g vegan marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 50 g vegan mini marshmallows (or regular vegan marshmallows chopped into small cubes)
- 180 g vegan rice cereal (use gluten-free if required, see notes)
Optional Garnish
- Vegan sprinkles (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9-inch square baking pan or similar with parchment paper and set it aside to ensure easy removal of the treats once set.
- Melt Butter: Place the vegan salted butter in a saucepan and melt it over medium heat until fully liquefied, taking care to avoid burning.
- Incorporate Marshmallows: Add the 400 g of vegan marshmallows into the melted butter. Stir constantly with a spatula over low to medium-low heat until the marshmallows have melted down completely and the mixture is smooth. Keep the heat moderate to prevent the mixture from becoming tacky and hard to work with.
- Add Vanilla and Mini Marshmallows: Remove the saucepan from heat, add the vanilla extract, and whisk well to blend. Stir in the 50 g of vegan mini marshmallows, then transfer the entire marshmallow mixture into a large mixing bowl unless your pan is large enough to mix directly.
- Combine with Rice Cereal: Add the 180 g of vegan rice cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture. Gently fold with a spatula to evenly coat all the cereal pieces, working quickly before the marshmallow hardens.
- Press into Pan: Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and use a spatula or spoon to firmly press it down into an even layer, reaching the edges and corners to create a compact base.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes until it sets. Slice into 12 even portions using a sharp knife. Optionally, top with extra vegan mini marshmallows and vegan sprinkles to add visual appeal and extra sweetness.
Notes
- Use gluten-free rice cereal if you need the recipe to be gluten-free.
- Vegan marshmallows typically take longer to melt than regular marshmallows; keep heat low to avoid burning.
- Press the cereal mixture evenly but avoid compacting it too much to retain some crispiness.
- Store leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best texture.
